Combat Alley (2007) Read Online Free Page B

item, the SEALs fumbled around to find it, then held it up for Sidiqui to see. The journalists Wallenger and Krafton had no trouble because of their previous riding experience, but the Brigands groped a couple of times when they were confused as to what some of the items were. The young interpreter Chinar Janoon knew how to ride, but he didn't know all the terminology for the items in English. But eventually it was determined that everyone was properly equipped.
    Excellent, Sidiqui said. Now we will begin our instruction. The first thing you learn to do is place the bridle on your horse. I want to emphasize to you to move slowly and carefully. These horses are all well trained and broken in, but if they sense nervousness on your part, they may become skittish.
    At that point a Pakistani soldier led a horse out to the officer, holding a bridle in his hand. The well-disciplined mount walked beside his human escort, completely at ease in the surroundings that were so familiar to him. And now, Sidiqui said, I shall walk the trooper through the proper procedure to apply the bridle to the horse. He paused to make sure everyone was watching, then turned to the trooper. Bridle! the officer ordered, then looked back at the SEALs. The first thing is for the trooper to approach the mount from its left, and slip the reins over his head and let them rest on his neck.
    The trooper deftly and expertly performed the task.
    And now, Sidiqui continued, he takes the crownpiece in his right hand and the bit in the left and places the crownpiece in front of its proper position. Then he inserts his thumb in the side of the horse's mouth and presses the lower jaw to cause him to open his mouth.
    The trooper deftly and expertly performed the task.
    Sidiqui went on, saying, Insert the bit by raising the crownpiece and with the left hand calmly draw the ears under the crownpiece and arrange the forelock. Then secure the throatlatch.
    The trooper deftly and expertly performed the task.
    It is very simple, Sidiqui said. You will be doing this automatically and instinctively before very long. Now we shall remove the bridle. Once more he addressed the trooper with an order. Unbridle!
    The reverse procedure was followed militarily and correctly. At that point, the lesson was switched to the bit and bridoon. Are there any questions? Sidiqui asked. In that case, we will break down into groups under the instructions of those SEALs that are familiar with equitation. I believe there are four of you. That means that each will take five of your comrades in arms and run them through the bridling and unbridling procedure. He glanced at the pair of journalists and the interpreter. I shall be happy to serve you three.
    Excuse me, Dirk Wallenger said. Since my cameraman and I are both experienced horsemen, perhaps we could be of some assistance in the instruction.
    How very kind of you, Sidiqui said.
    Chinar Janoon, the interpreter, spoke up. I am not familiar with many things in English for riding a horse. I would like to be a student, please.
    I see, Sidiqui said. In that case, we shall break down into He thought a moment. seven groups of three. You will practice on one horse at a time with the rider assigned to it doing the work. When he is able to perform the function correctly, move to the next horse.
    Senior Chief Buford Dawkins, in his role as detachment chief, moved into action. Alright! Fall in by threes.
    We officers will be together, Brannigan said.
    Aye, sir! Dawkins acknowledged. The rest of you form teams and do it quickly! Within two minutes the first bridles were being slipped over horses' heads.
    AFTER three hours of hard work, the SEALs had not only mastered bridling and unbridling but also learned to stand to horse. In this bit of drill, the rider is at the horse's left, standing at attention, grasping the reins six inches from the bit. It was simple enough, but now and then a nervous mount would toss his head and the SEAL was forced to gain control